Where there is a will, there is not always a way. Ireland performed with more gusto and enterprise than they mustered in their previous three matches, but the blustery pursuit of good intentions was not enough to avoid defeat against the group D leaders. Aleksandar Kolarov’s second-half goal gave Serbia a lead that their spirited but imprecise hosts could not claw back, even after the dismissal of Nikola Maksimovic in the 68th minute.

Aaron Ramsey could not have picked a better place to convert a Panenka penalty as Wales secured a precious point against the Group D leaders, Serbia, to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals next summer, yet it was a night tinged with regret for Chris Coleman and his players after they allowed victory to slip through their fingers for the fourth time in this campaign.

Chris Coleman has always wanted Wales to focus on the future rather than basking in last summer’s success, yet with Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia taking place exactly a year after their opening match at Euro 2016, even the manager had to concede that it was impossible not to take a trip down memory lane.

Ashley Williams accepts Wales may have to win all of their remaining World Cup qualifying matches to finish top of their group after they squandered a lead for the third game in succession to leave their hopes of reaching Russia hanging in the balance.

Dusan Tadic believes he suffered a broken nose against Wales when Neil Taylor accidentally kicked him in the face but the Southampton winger has not ruled out playing against Liverpool on Saturday and will consider wearing a protective mask to give him every chance of being available.

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Where there is a will, there is not always a way. Ireland performed with more gusto and enterprise than they mustered in their previous three matches, but the blustery pursuit of good intentions was not enough to avoid defeat against the group D leaders. Aleksandar Kolarov’s second-half goal gave Serbia a lead that their spirited but imprecise hosts could not claw back, even after the dismissal of Nikola Maksimovic in the 68th minute.